September is more than just partridges

It’s that time of year again – the wildfowling season is officially underway. For me there are a number of rituals that mark the opening of the season. Most years, I’ll spend the first day on the marsh, sometimes arriving at midnight to reminisce about seasons gone by, dogs no longer with us and the funny, odd and wonderful memories the marsh provides. There could be an early-season goose or resident mallard, but the best of the season is yet to come.

This year, the start of the season comes after an extraordinary summer. June was England’s warmest on record, with a mean temperature almost 3°C above average. The following month brought equally remarkable conditions: England and Wales experienced their driest July in 190 years, with drought affecting much of England. Our inland wetlands have struggled.

What the drought means for duck numbers

In the south-west of England, mallard numbers on my local estuary suggest a good breeding year, but first impressions can mislead. With inland ponds drying out, birds may simply be redistributing to the nearest available water. Reports from the east coast suggest good breeding conditions and brood numbers, though early indications point to lower duckling survival.

We will not know the full picture until the season progresses. For those heading to the coast, the prospect of a good start is there. What happens next will depend heavily on the weather. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly a parched marsh depression can become a magnet for birds after a downpour.

The heat, if it persists into the start of the season, does bring another responsibility: we need to look after the birds we harvest. A shot bird is food from the moment it is taken, so have a plan before you pull the trigger. Quarry spoils quickly in warm weather, and flies become an increasing risk. A cool box or bag with ice packs will help bring the temperature down fast. Once home, process the bird as soon as you can, and refrigerate it if you can’t process it immediately.

BASC’s work in the world of wildfowling

While we wait to see how the season unfolds, it is worth reflecting on what BASC has been doing in the world of wildfowling. We submitted a robust, evidence-led response to the quarry species consultation, and thank everyone who supported self-regulation and sustainable shooting and submitted responses. While we wait for feedback, it is important that anyone who harvests wildfowl, whether on the coast or inland, adheres to the recommendations in our sustainable shooting code.

We are continuing discussions with Natural England on a proportionate approach to wildfowling consents. BASC funded and jointly commissioned work for Natural England’s wildfowling evidence review, assessing peer-reviewed and grey literature, including an assessment of its relevance to the UK. The key now is to ensure this new evidence base is put to good use, informing a more proportionate approach.

Conservation and the BASC Wildlife Fund

The BASC Wildlife Fund remains important to securing wildfowling’s future, providing loans for land purchase and grants for conservation and research projects. This year’s stamp features wigeon on the Ribble Estuary, where wildfowling clubs are delivering real conservation benefits. Buying Wildlife Fund artwork, stamps and memorabilia, or donating, helps secure land and habitat for future generations.

For anyone considering wildfowling for the first time, the BASC permit scheme offers an excellent introduction, connecting newcomers with affiliated clubs and, in most cases, an experienced mentor.

Back to the start of the season. I’m looking forward to cold October mornings, with a stiff wind out of the north and a marsh alive with migratory wildfowl. As darkness gives way to first light, perhaps we will hear geese awakening from their night-time roosts, redshank calling, the curlew’s haunting note and, somewhere over the water, the unmistakable whistle of wigeon.

That is the wildfowler’s dawn chorus. Few things better explain why these wild places matter, and why their heritage runs so deep. Roll on winter and roast goose on the table.

James Green is a conservationist and head of wildfowl and wetlands at BASC.